Liga MX 2018 Apertura: Veracruz take the “Clasico Del Sur” in Puebla

The 2018 Apertura edition of the “Clasico Del Sur” between Puebla and Veracruz really lacked the intensity and passion of a rivalry for most of the encounter. The two teams played in front of just 10 thousand spectators at the Estadio Cuauhtemoc to kick off the Week 4 action in the 2018 Apertura.

The first half really lacked any exciting play as Puebla dominated possession and both teams had less than a handful of opportunities. The clearest chance in the first 45 minutes fell just six minutes into the match as Christian Tabo Smashed the post with a powerful shot from a free kick.

The second half started with Enrique Meza making the odd decision to sub off winger Francisco Acuna for defender Daniel Arreola. The decision paid off early on as Puebla opened the score in the 52^nd minute with an own goal by Jose Rivas after a cross by Christian Tabo from the right flank.

Guillermo Vazquez acted quickly and decided to bring on Adrian Luna for Diego Chavez in the 59^th minute. Puebla would control the game, but the lead would not last the entirety of the encounter as Veracruz managed to tie it up in the 82^nd minute.

Tiburones’ captain Cristian Menendez put the ball in the back of the net with a header off a cross from a free kick by Adrian Luna. “Polaco” Menendez came up big again and scored his second of the night just two minutes later with another header, but this time off a cross by Carlos Esquivel.

Puebla could not do anything going forward in the last few minutes of the clash as Veracruz held on to the slight lead. The game started off pretty dull, but did pick up steam in the second half as Los Escualos prevailed against a solid Puebla team away from home.

Lineups

Puebla: Nicolas Vikonis, Bryan Angulo, Anderson Santamaria, Hugo Rodriguez, Vladimir Lorona, Alejandro Chumacero, Francisco Acuna (45’ Daniel Arreola), Jose Guerrero, Jose Torres (64’ Pablo Gonzalez), Christian Tabo (78’ Pedro Goulart), Lucas Cavallini

Veracruz: Meliton Hernandez, Osmar Mares, Rodrigo Noya, Jose Rivas, Jesus Paganoni, Joe Abrigo (89’ Luis Miguel Noriega), Wilder Cartagena, Hibert Ruiz, Diego Chavez (59’ Adrian Luna), Bryan Carrasco (78’ Carlos Esquivel), Cristian Menendez